BRIEFLY.

Animated maps debut on buses

Direction-challenged commuters got some relief this week when Metro unveiled Global Positioning System maps inside the agency's 2,200 buses.

The maps -- similar to those used by airlines to show a plane's trajectory -- depict an animated bus progressing along the route.

``If it's really crowded, sometimes it's hard to see out and sometimes you lose track of where you are,'' said Kim Upton, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. ``It's a tool; it's also for amusement. It's cute, and it can help you see where you are.''

-- Daily News

Holiday deaths on roads increase

Eight people died in traffic crashes on Los Angeles County roadways during the first 36 hours of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, compared with seven for the same period last year, authorities said Friday.

Statewide, 17 traffic deaths were reported during the period from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Friday, compared with 19 for the same period last year, the CHP reported.

In Los Angeles County, 127 motorists were arrested by CHP officers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, compared with 66 a year earlier. Statewide, there were 578 DUI arrests, compared with 595 last year.

-- City News Service

Telethon raises $13.6 million

GLENDALE -- A telethon that briefly united the global diaspora of Armenians raised $13.6 million in pledges to build roads, schools and hospitals in their homeland.

The 12-hour telethon Thursday included Armenian entertainers and originated from a studio in Glendale, which is home to the nation's largest Armenian-American population.

The ninth annual Armenia Fund telethon included live TV spots and Webcasts from around the globe.

-- Associated Press

Policeman hurt by beer bottle

SAN FERNANDO -- A San Fernando police officer was injured Friday night when a man suspected of a domestic dispute threw a 40-ounce beer bottle at him, police said.

The suspect was riding away from officers on his bicycle when he crashed into the side of the police car and then threw the bottle, said Sgt. Robert Parks, San Fernando Police Department.

The man was arrested on suspicion of assault of deadly weapon on peace officer, resisting arrest and a domestic charge after the 10 p.m. incident at Lucas Street and Maclay Avenue.

-- Daily News

Gifts for guns in Compton 

COMPTON -- Compton residents will have the opportunity to exchange guns for gifts -- no questions asked -- beginning today as part of a city-sponsored attempt to reduce violence in the area.

Personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Compton station will collect firearms in the parking lot of the Circuit City/Ralphs shopping center at Compton Boulevard and Alameda Street during the next three Saturdays, organizers announced.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card to Circuit City, Ralphs or Toys ``R'' Us for each gun turned in.

The guns will still be tested just to make sure that they aren't evidence in any unsolved crimes, said Sgt. Rich Pena of the Compton station.

-- City News Service